Poker pro to run for Congress

Oct 29, 2013

Las Vegas professional poker player Frank Kassela, is planning on running for Congress. According to his adviser, all paperwork has been already filed with the Federal Electoral Commission and Kassela will be representing the Democratic party in the 3rd Congressional District.

The district comprises Henderson city and other rural areas of southern Clark County. Kassela's main competition in the Democratic primary is Erin Bilbray, a political trainer. They both will compete for the seat currently held by Republican Representative Joe Heck.

Frank Kassela used to be a republican but changed his affiliation recently, due to multiple frustrations with the GOP's position on social issues and its position towards the recent government shutdown. According to his political adviser, Angela Kouters, Kassela officially became a Democrat on October 22nd when he filed his party registration papers at Clark County.

Kouters mentioned in a statement, “He thinks we need more smart, thoughtful citizens to get involved in government. If you just have career politicians or people who are so ideologically dug in, we are not governing.”

Kassela's poker nickname is "Lights Out" and he has won two WSOP bracelets and was nominated and pronounced Player of the Year in 2010. Kassela has earned over $2.4 million in his career as a poker player.